Slow start at polls in Burlington County

According to the Burlington County Times, election day here got off to a slow start, and the wet weather didn't help.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. As of midmorning, no problems had been reported to the Burlington County Election Board.

"It's been very quiet so far," Superintendent of Elections Joanne Nyikita said. "Turnout seems low. I went to my polling place (in Edgewater Park) this morning, and there was hardly anyone there."

Nyikita said steady rain during the pre-work hours may have kept voters home or prompted them to hold off on heading to the polls until this afternoon or tonight.

The National Weather Service reported that about a quarter-inch of rain fell across most of the county this morning but that conditions were expected to quickly improve.

"We're actually expecting a little sun this afternoon with high temperatures in the 50s," meteorologist Gary Szatkowski said. "As November days go, it should be decent weather."

Experts were predicting a low voter turnout, good weather or not, because there is no national or statewide race at the top of the ballot.

Based on early reports, those forecasts may not prove true in Moorestown, where a steady stream of voters braved the rain to cast ballots. The likely reason: a local referendum to end the township's longstanding dry-town status and permit the sale of liquor at restaurants.

"The liquor issue is bringing people out," resident Stan Kotzen said after voting. "My guess is there will be a lot more turnout than the normal election."